Candice Wuehle Releases New Novel 'Ultranatural'

The book is described as a 'pop elegy, part horror story, part radical reimagining of female celebrity'.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:00pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered, glittering glass reflecting dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the fragile nature of celebrity and the complexities of public personas.Ultranatural explores the metaphysical underbelly of fame, chronicling the rise and fall of a pop icon through a surreal, philosophical lens.Iowa City Today

Acclaimed author Candice Wuehle is releasing her latest novel, 'Ultranatural', which the University of Iowa Press describes as a blend of pop culture commentary, philosophical musings, and a chronicle of the rise and fall of a fictional pop icon. Praised by fellow authors for its sharp, surreal storytelling, 'Ultranatural' is generating buzz as a bold exploration of fame, girlhood, and celebrity.

Why it matters

Wuehle's work is known for tackling complex social and cultural themes through a unique, genre-blending lens. 'Ultranatural' promises to offer a provocative, satirical take on the modern obsession with celebrity and the complex relationship between public personas and private identities.

The details

In 'Ultranatural', Wuehle introduces readers to the character of Lacey Dove Bart, who the publisher says is 'at once a recognizable cultural figure and a wholly original character.' The novel is described as blending 'philosophy, satire, and musings on the metaphysical' as it chronicles Lacey's journey from rising pop star to fallen icon.

  • Ultranatural will be released on April 13, 2026.

The players

Candice Wuehle

The author of Ultranatural, as well as several other acclaimed works of fiction including Monarch, Fidelitoria: Fixed or Fluxed, Death Industrial Complex, and BOUND. She lives in Iowa City, Iowa.

University of Iowa Press

The publisher of Ultranatural, which they describe as 'part pop elegy, part horror story, part radical reimagining of female celebrity'.

Anna Dorn

The author of Perfume and Pain, who praised Ultranatural as 'Candice Wuehle's sharp, surreal telling of a body turned brand, and the girl trapped beneath it'.

E.K. Sathue

The author of Youthjuice, who said 'Ultranatural skewers fame, girlhood, and celebrity culture with a deft hand, seamlessly blending philosophy, satire, and musings on the metaphysical while chronicling the rise and fall of a pop icon.'

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What they’re saying

“Part pop elegy, part horror story, part radical reimagining of female celebrity... Ultranatural autotunes the static of fame until it sounds like prophecy.”

— University of Iowa Press, Publisher

“Ultranatural is Candice Wuehle's sharp, surreal telling of a body turned brand, and the girl trapped beneath it.”

— Anna Dorn, Author of Perfume and Pain

“Ultranatural skewers fame, girlhood, and celebrity culture with a deft hand, seamlessly blending philosophy, satire, and musings on the metaphysical while chronicling the rise and fall of a pop icon. Lacey Dove Bart is at once a recognizable cultural figure and a wholly original character whom you won't soon forget.”

— E.K. Sathue, Author of Youthjuice

What’s next

Candice Wuehle will read from Ultranatural at an event hosted by the University of Iowa on April 13, 2026.

The takeaway

Ultranatural promises to be a bold, genre-defying exploration of the complexities of fame, identity, and the human experience, cementing Candice Wuehle's reputation as a distinctive and insightful voice in contemporary fiction.